"I don't know. Maybe it's a distraction to lure us into a trap."
At this point, Sunny decided that it was time to talk. He inhaled deeply, then said in a friendly tone:
"Actually, I just sent it ahead to make sure that you don't stab me with that sword before realizing that I'm human."
Immediately, Nephis turned her head, pinpointing the exact location where Sunny was hiding in a blotch of shadows. Her sword slightly shifted, aiming at the new threat.
"If you're human, why are hiding in the shadows like a creep?"
'Goddamit! I'm not a creep!'
Sunny сhoked. But his Flaw was merciless: he had to provide an answer, and a truthful one at that.
"I mean, you're Changing Star Nephis. To be honest, I'm a little afraid."
Nephis did not answer. Because of her hard-to-read face, it was almost impossible to determine whether she believed him or not. However, he included her True Name in his answer for a reason: if he was some monster pretending to be human, he wouldn't have known it.
Luckily, Cassia was more expressive.
"Are you the boy who sat with me in the cafeteria?"
Sunny smiled. Meanwhile, Nephis glanced at the blind girl.
"Do you know him?"
Cassia nodded.
"I recognize his voice. His name is Sunless. He was in second-to-last place in the rankings, right above me."
The tall girl frowned, as if trying to remember. Then she asked:
"The pervert?"
The smile disappeared from Sunny's face, replaced by exasperation.
'Oh, come on!'
Cassia hesitated and didn't answer.
"Hey! I'm not really a pervert, you know! I just… uhm… said a few things. To a few girls. It was all a misunderstanding."
Nephis was silent for a few seconds, and then, finally, dismissed her sword.
"Okay. You can come out."
Sunny limped out of the shadows, summoning his own back. It flowed to his feet and reattached itself, visibly shaking. The bastard was laughing at him...
Stopping a few meters away from Nephis, he raised his hands, showing that he didn't mean the girls any harm. Changing Star gave him an inquisitive look.
"What happened to you?"
She was referring to his limp, bruises, and overall banged-up look. Sunny sighed.
"Carapace Scavenger."
Nephis raised an eyebrow:
"You managed to get away alive?"
'You bet I did!'
Sunny subconsciously straightened his back.
"I didn't get away. I killed it."
To prove his point, he gestured at his rucksack, full of delicious monster meat. Nephis looked him over again, reevaluating her opinion of him. Now, there were hints of approval in her eyes
Carapace Scavengers were only beasts, but they were still awakened. With the addition of their mighty physique and natural armor, defeating one was not an easy feat for any Sleeper, who all had a dormant core. Let alone someone from the very bottom of the ranking list.
Come to think of it, it was even a bit too outstanding.
Sunny lowered his eyes.
"Eh… it was already wounded."
Nephis shrugged.
"A kill is a kill. You did well."
After that, she fell silent, as though not planning to say anything else. Sunny also wasn't sure what to say. Luckily, Cassia came to the rescue.
"Are you seriously injured?"
He shook his head.
"No, it's just that my ribs and leg are bruised — I'll be fine in a day or two. My armor is pretty resilient."
He wasn't worried that they might be tempted to kill him to get the Puppeteer's Shroud. That was because Memories were destroyed at the moment of their owner's death. So they only could be transferred voluntarily by a living person.
Well, there was always torture and blackmail. But he doubted that any one of the two beautiful girls would stoop to that.
Sunny cleared his throat.
"Before stumbling on the Scavenger, I was heading for the tall hill with the massive coral pillar on top. But after the fight, my speed decreased. Now I'm worried about not making it in time. Do you perhaps know the way?"
Cassia smiled.
"Actually, we spend the last days on that hill. We were just about to go back."
Nephis didn't say anything, looking at the sky.
Sunny licked his lips.
"Well… can I come with you?"
'They're not going to say "no"… right?'
The blind girl turned he head to her companion, a clear question written on her face.
"Neph?"
Nephis lowered her eyes, staring at Sunny. After a while, she said:
"No…"
'What?!'
"...problem."
No problem.
'What's wrong with you, princess?! Can't you speak faster?!'
Feeling his heart beating wildly in his chest, Sunny smiled.
"Well. Alright…"